SLO Living Fall 2024 by Mustang News

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S LO LIVING 202 4

Editor's Note

Sydnie Bierma

Aside from the community that classes provide at Cal Poly, housing on and off campus adds a whole other element to the college experience. Forming friendships in the dorms to eventually choosing roommates to rent your first house with is a big deal. It’s one that’s so incredible, but that does come with challenges, as for most, it’s a brand new experience.

I was fortunate to have found some of my best friends my freshman year and continued living with them in Poly Canyon Village my sophomore year; however, even the transition across campus proved to be more difficult than expected.

Having our own kitchen, a shared living space and maintenance issues are just a few examples of how things begin to change when you organize your own housing and leave the comfort of the freshman dorm.

Everyone’s experience is different. Whether you’re a transfer student required to live on campus or doing the more traditional approach, there’s tips and tricks that can be helpful for all students transitioning to living alone.

The goal of SLO Living is to provide helpful information in regards to all things housing and also continue to highlight the beauty of San Luis Obispo and what it has to offer.

Enjoy!

Sydnie

| 71 Palomar Ave San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 palomaratslo.com CHORRO | 22 Chorro St San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 chorroatslo.com

Roommates:

When searching for a place to live, it is important to consider the number of roommates you want, as it determines what housing works best for you. Keeping the housing layout in mind, clear communication with your potential roommates about their preferences is key. Decide whether you want to share a room or have your own, as this choice impacts what floor plan to look for. Due to different apartment complexes offering a variety of floor plans, knowing what you're looking for ahead of time will make the search much easier.

Budget:

Cost is a major factor to remember when looking for off-campus housing, as prices can range dramatically based on the option that works best for you. Make sure to note when your lease will start and end, as it differs among different apartment complexes and houses.

When determining what budget works best for you, account for other costs you must pay throughout the year, including food and other living expenses. This will give you a price frame of rent to look for with offcampus housing. If you are looking for lower rent costs, sharing a room is one of the easiest ways to save.

Location:

It is key to consider the location in relation to campus, and what transportation it requires to get to campus. Whether it’s walking, driving, biking, or taking the bus, make sure to factor in the time that will add to your daily routine. Be sure to also consider the ease and availability of public transportation and parking options, depending on your type of travel needed.

How to Navigate Off-Campus Housing

By Kaitlyn Knopf

Finding housing can be overwhelming, especially for students juggling classes and other commitments. Navigating the off-campus search can be tricky considering so many factors including budget, location, and various amenities. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are trying to narrow down your search.

When to start looking:

When looking for housing, especially apartments, the sooner the better is always good to keep in mind. Many apartment complexes try to fill their apartment units by the end of fall quarter or the beginning of winter quarter. Aim to decide where would be the best place for you to live early, and then fill out the lease information as soon as it’s available.

" When searching for off-campus housing, consider the type of space that would best benefit your lifestyle. "

What kind of space do you need:

When searching for off-campus housing, consider the type of space that would best benefit your lifestyle. Do you prefer a more community-based environment, specifically with shared living areas, or do you like more privacy in a single-room? While sharing a room will help reduce cost and boost community, choose a space that caters to your personal space and comfort.

WHAT TYPE OF

SPACIOUS OR COMPACT?

QUIET NIGHT IN OR GOING OUT?

NIGHT OWL OR EARLY BIRD?

FREEDOM OR COMMUNITY?

BUSY OR QUIET?

WALKING OR DRIVING?

ORCOOKINGTAKEOUT?

CONVENIENCE OR PRIVACY?

DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM APARTMENT ON-CAMPUS HOUSE

www.eramg.com

• 1100 Leff St

• 1290 Murray Ave

• 3150 Rockview Pl

• 428 N Chorro St

• 550 Higuera St

• 1127–1139 Walnut St

• The Junction 2120 Santa Barbara Ave

SLO's Hidden Gems

By Lillian Dolph

San Luis Obispo, located in the heart of Central California, has so much to offer. It is less than an hour’s drive to beaches and sand dunes, and the town itself is filled with cool restaurants and scenic sunset spots. While popular places can be fun, they can quickly become mundane. To keep things interesting, here’s a list of hidden gems in the San Luis Obispo area that are waiting for you to discover.

Tucked away in a corner of Los Osos, you can find one of the best places in the area to get a burger. Sylvester’s is a family-owned restaurant that features a wide variety of burgers, including classic options like the cheeseburger and more adventurous options like “The Heart Attack.” If you’re up for it, they also have “The Five Pound Big One Challenge.” If you can eat a five-pound burger in under 30 minutes, you get a T-shirt and photo on their wall.

SLO has a plethora of cafes and restaurants, but some stand out more than others.

One of Morro Bay’s best hidden gems is Rudie’s Rock Espresso. The quaint cafe serves delicious pastries and coffee. Its back garden and fountain are perfect for studying on a sunny day. Inside, it is equally as unique with its walls covered in paintings by local artists. The staff is incredibly friendly and have a wealth of knowledge about the area. If you’re new to SLO, be sure to stop by—They’re full of great recommendations for the best spots to explore and things to do.

Another delicious spot is Linnaea’s Cafe, located in downtown SLO. This cafe is beloved by locals and has been a go-to for many since it opened in 1984. While trendy spots like Scout or Kreuzberg may draw more attention, Linnaea’s offers a cozier, more charming experience. It also has a courtyard garden and is filled with local art and wooden tables – creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

If you’re a fan of off-the-beaten-path beaches, steer clear of the more crowded Avila and Pismo beaches, especially on warm sunny days when they’re packed with visitors. Fortunately for Cal Poly students, SLO has many hidden gems just a short drive away. Whether you’re looking for sand, rocks, great surf or fascinating tide pools, SLO has it all. Here are three lesser-known beaches that offer a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Located near the famous Hearst Castle, San Simeon Beach is a secluded and largely untouched stretch of coastline. The sandy beach and rugged cliffs provide stunning views. Also known as William R. Hearst Memorial Beach, it extends for miles, making it a great spot for walks along the water.

If you love tidepools, Spooners Cove in Montaña De Oro is the perfect place for you. You can take in the view from the rocks above or walk down to the pebbly sand beach. There are many things to explore here including caves and rock formations. It's also a great place to find sea glass.

Pismo Beach is usually extremely crowded, but at the North end you can find a more “hidden beach.” If you walk down the private stairway from the SeaCrest Hotel on Price Street, you’ll find yourself at a much calmer sandy beach with rocky caves waiting for you to explore.

Bites

Beaches

San Luis Obispo is widely known for its outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking. While the more well-known trails like Bishop Peak or Madonna attract visitors for their beautiful scenery and well-maintained trails, the SLO area has more to offer. Lesser-known trails provide equally beautiful views and can be more peaceful than busier ones.

There are countless mountain biking trails tucked away just off of the Cal Poly campus with a range of difficulties.“I’d say one of my favorite trails around SLO is Firebreak, which is up on the West Cuesta Grade. It’s connected to trails right off Poly’s campus, and the route to the trail shows off some beautiful views of trees and mountains,” Garrett Leighton mechanical engineer junior and SLO local said “It’s a fairly technical trail, but is very much worth it.”

Leighton is Cal Poly’s Cycling Team mechanic, and is well-versed in all of the best trails in the area. “I like riding because it’s a fantastic way to get great exercise while getting out into inaccessible places in nature and also getting adrenaline rushes from time to time,” Leighton said.

One of the best views in the SLO area can be found on the Avila Ridge trail, a more secluded trail that’s tucked in the hills of Avila Beach. Also known as the Ontario Ridge/Shell Beach Bluff Trail, this hike is short but steep at 2.8 miles long with 675 feet of elevation gain. However, once you reach the top you are rewarded with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the hills. Another rewarding feature to this hike is the rope swing at the top that looks out over the ocean.

Another fun hike in the SLO area is Big Falls, which can be a little tricky to get to, but is worth the challenge. Located in the Santa Lucia Wilderness, it is recommended you have a car with fourwheel drive as the road from Lopez Lake requires you to cross different creek crossings. This hike is more off-the-beaten path, and the trail winds through creek beds with views of the canyon. The end reward is a multiple-tiered waterfall. There is also a pool at the bottom, which is a great swimming hole in the summer or warmer months.

One of the best places to watch the sunset in SLO is Perfumo Canyon. To get there, drive to Los Osos Valley Road, which then connects to Perfumo Canyon Road. As you wind your way up to the lookout, you’ll see sweeping views of the hills and valleys. As you drive higher, there are many pullout spots, perfect for a private spot to watch the sunset with panoramic views.

Another secluded, lesser-known sunset spot is Cuesta Ridge. The area’s high elevation offers stunning views of SLO and its surrounding hills.“I love Cuesta Ridge because it’s a very unique spot that not many people know about,” Kaine Chavez, a student at Cuesta Community College and SLO local said.

Cal Poly Junior Ally Weil sits on the swing at the top of Avila Ridge.

Photo taken by author.

The views on top of Avila Ridge at sunset. Photo taken by author. SLO

Exploring the Music Scene in SLO

By Ashley Bates

San Luis Obispo has a growing music scene that has been collecting new fans and artists as they go along. There are so many different options for enjoying music in SLO and no matter what your scene is, there is always something that will suit your vibe. Whether you love dancing to loud music, perfecting your vinyl collection or sharing your artistic talent, SLO is a place where your music taste can develop and grow.

My personal favorite way to explore all the musical talents in our city is by going to small concerts and rock shows around town. There are so many different places downtown that host local and touring bands including: Kreuzberg California, The Aviary, Libertine Brewery and Bang the Drum Brewery. The rock shows these venues put on are full of energy, with music so loud you can feel it in your chest. It’s the kind of atmosphere that’s so electrifying, you lose track of time. Plus, the local artists always have so much emotion and passion for what they do, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of everything.

House shows are another way to fully immerse yourself in the underground atmosphere of music appreciation. Most often, they are very small and in a local’s backyard. Normally there’s a small fee to enter, but once you’re inside you can mingle with many new interesting people that you have never met before. The vibes are intimate and intense, with emotion pulsing within you upon hearing the thrum of the drums and bass. You can usually find the location and date for these shows on posters around town on billboards, street lamps and telephone poles.

Small Concerts

House Shows

KCPR, or 91.3 FM, is Cal Poly’s own individual radio station that provides music, news, arts and cultural updates in and around Cal Poly. Their goal is to enhance the cultural and creative life of Cal Poly through giving students the chance to voice their own artistic expression on the school’s radio stations. It is completely studentrun in partnership with Mustang Media Group and the Journalism Department at Cal Poly. Every year, they take on a new set of student volunteers who are willing to share their exceptional music taste with the school. If you want to DJ for the station, contact KCPR for more information on how to join the team! Find them at kcpr.org for more information.

There are a few wonderful record shops in San Luis Obispo if you own a record player (or just like the aesthetic of owning vinyls.) The most popular is BooBoo Records. They offer a wide array of records, CDs, posters, bumper stickers and merch. With so many genres available to choose from, it is easy to find yourself getting lost in the aisles of music. Another option to fulfill your vinyl and CD hunt includes the Cheap Thrills record store on Higuera Street. They have many options in music, ranging from used to new CDs and vinyls. They also sell collectibles, books and audio equipment. Finally, Captain Nemo Games and Comics is not only a treasure trove for comic books and collectibles, but is also a wonder for those who are looking to expand their vinyl collection. Their variance in goods makes this store a well-rounded hub for all things fun and nostalgic.

Another relatively new option for enjoying music in SLO are Open Mic Nights, which I find to be such an intimate experience that is so much fun to share with friends. Front Porch hosts an Open Mic Night once a quarter and even if you don’t feel comfortable with singing, it is so inspiring to see fellow students performing and doing what they love. You can sign up either beforehand or during the actual event. Students have the option to sing, read poetry or even perform improv. Ultimately, Open Mic Nights create a vibrant space where creativity flourishes, making them a mustattend event for anyone looking to enjoy live performances and support their community.

San Luis Obispo has such a wonderful, addicting music scene that is so thrilling to involve yourself in. Exploring all the different kinds of music appreciation is a magnificent way to make memories with your friends that will last a lifetime.

Open Mic Nights

Record Stores

By Grace Bender

THRIFTY LIVING

The freedom of having your own space in college is a gift, but it comes with responsibility. The responsibility to pay utilities, find roommates and furniture, while navigating heavy course loads at the same time. Creating a place that feels like home can be fun, but furniture and decor tend to be costly especially for college students. If the full price of home items scare your bank account, then look no further; here is your guide to finding what you need to complete your space for cheap.

Facebook Marketplace Garage/ Estate Sales 1 2

Facebook Marketplace is the way to go if you are looking for something specific. This feature of Facebook allows you to narrow down your search by item and location. You can buy anything from furniture items such as bed frames, desks and dressers, to smaller items like lamps, pillows and even cool art pieces. By using it in partnership with Facebook Messenger, reaching out to sellers and asking questions is super easy. Most sellers will have you meet them at their house or at a certain spot of their choosing. It is important to acknowledge that safety is a priority over all, so make sure when you are going to grab your purchase, that you bring a friend along for the ride.

When the weekend comes along, so do the garage and estate sales in San Luis Obispo. You can find these details about sales on lamp posts around the city or you might coincidentally stumble upon one in your neighbor’s yard while on a morning walk. Many SLO homeowners are looking for an easy way to pass along some of their cherished items, which means good things for a good price. Not only is this a way to get familiar with the neighborhoods around SLO, but you also might find some special pieces in these historic houses.

Thrift Stores

One of the more obvious methods of finding used items for cheap is thrift stores. Downtown SLO is littered with thrift stores that carry smaller decor items such as Fred & Betty’s or UVS Thrift Store. For more furniture pieces, Mission Thrift off of South Higuera Street has a larger back room with items of all sizes. If you have any mode of transportation and are looking for more vintage items, there are many stores in Morro Bay and Cayucos that have unique items. Remember When Too in Cayucos has a lot of fun posters and knick-knacks. Tara Lee’s Antiques and More in Morro Bay also has good vintage options.

The Goodwill Bins are a college student’s best friend. Most known for their bins of clothing, everything is weighed in and priced based on the pound. This makes it the cheapest option for almost anything that you would need. Some people tend to forget that the bins also have books, records, home decor and furniture. Since it has such great deals, getting there on the earlier side will help you beat the crowds and grab the most unique stuff.

3 4 5

Goodwill

Bins

Sidewalk Treasures

If you are feeling lucky, you might stumble upon treasure hidden in plane sight. Nothing is better than heading back from work or school to see the most perfect dresser sitting on the sidewalk with a sign that says “free.” You must act fast; grab whoever you can to help you haul your special item back to homebase. For months to come you will look at that piece and think about how you were in the right place at the right time, nothing gets as lucky as that.

The weekdays can get busy for many of us, and you’ll probably find yourself doing school work at home. Consider studying in the shared spaces of your living space. In doing so you might encourage your roommates to join you. Hopefully you can be productive while also spending time together. Play some music or ask each other for help on homework. Switching up how and where you study can provide relief from the mundane task.

Ways to Bond With Your New Roommates

By Madison White

Designate one night a week where all your roommates are home to make ‘family dinner.’ After all, food is one of the best ways to bring people together. Be sure to ask about any dietary restrictions before planning your recipe. You can experiment with different ways of dividing up the work; either rotate through one person making the entire meal or everyone can work together on it. If you don’t have easy access to a kitchen, head out to the dining hall or a restaurant together once a week.

Search for a TV show or a movie to watch together. You can make the night as elaborate as you’d like, with snacks, drinks or dessert. Sharing an experience, like laughing at a funny scene, can help bring you closer together. Plus, with the holiday season coming up there are so many entertaining movie options to explore.

Living with new roommates can be tricky. You might still be learning each other’s schedules and lifestyles. Ideally we want to have fun with our roommates and create an enjoyable living environment. Whether you’ve known your roommates for years or only a couple months, here are some ideas to make new memories together.

Family Dinner

Movie Night

If you’re looking to get out of the house, check out some of San Luis Obispo’s local events. Farmer’s market is held downtown every Thursday night. You can buy local produce or grab dinner from one of the restaurant vendors.

Browse upcoming shows and concerts at the Fremont Theater downtown or at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center. There are lots of performers that come to SLO throughout the year. Look out for student discounts at the PAC!

If you want the theater experience but are looking for something more budget-friendly, see a movie downtown. There are two theaters: The Movie Experience SLO and the Palm Theatre. At The Movie Experience early matinee tickets are $8 and on Thursdays tickets are $9 all day. There is also college night on Sundays after 7:30 p.m. when tickets are $10 with a current student ID. At the Palm Theatre matinee tickets are $10 and on Mondays all tickets are $9.

Another great way to spend quality time with your roommates can be to explore the nature around San Luis Obispo. Check out different hiking and walking trails or spend an afternoon in a park. There are even lots of open spaces on campus that can serve the same purpose, like Dexter Lawn.

The Rec Center on campus offers a variety of free exercise classes every day. Bring your roommates to try a new workout and if you all enjoy it, build it into your weekly routine. Exercising has been shown to help release stress and improve your mood. The class schedule is online and posted on the wall inside the Rec. If the times are not convenient, you can also use the weights and machines on your own time.

There are endless ways to spend time with the people you live with and build that ‘roomie’ bond. The important thing is to find something you all enjoy and make it happen.

Live on campus next year

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What To Do When Things Get Rough

By Kate Roarke

Nothing beats the ease of freshman year. You’re assigned a dorm building with a verified roommate, all of your food needs are readily made, your RA keeps tabs on dorm cleanup and any altercations can be resolved with the support of campus housing!

While it may seem like all factors are perfectly set up for you to have a successful freshman year, it can still be hard to navigate the twists and turns of all things college living. Even upperclassman students sometimes find it daunting to manage the upkeep of house hunting, landlord debacles and roommate troubles.

Luckily you don’t have to deal with these things alone, Cal Poly has resources in play for when living on or off campus gets a bit tricky. Whether you’re a first-year student living away from home for the first time or a thirdyear transfer searching for students to live with, there is a place for everyone to make Cal Poly a comfortable home away from home.

It’s completely normal to have questions about roommate solutions, campus amenities and study spots. Here are some commonly asked housing questions asked by Cal Poly students:

Q:What should I do if I don’t get along with my roommate(s)?

For students living on campus, your resident advisor (RA) is there to assist you at all times. Feel free to reach out to them regarding the best ways to problem-solve with your roommate(s). University Housing also provides resources for students to initiate thoughtful discussions surrounding living habits and roommate expectations. You can find Roomate Conversation Guides and a Roommate Resolution Agreement at https://housing.calpoly.edu/content/res_life/roommate-life.

Many times, speaking to your roommate(s) about your concerns is the best way to articulate what’s on your mind, but your RA is also happy to schedule and facilitate a roommate mediation if necessary. If the situation requires further action, your RA can assist you in initiating a room swap at any point in the year as space is available. You can find the room trade request in your Cal Poly portal under “University Housing.”

For students living off campus, online networking forums are among the best ways to make connections with other students who have similar interests and values. Students commonly use sites like Facebook and Instagram to attain subleasers. This is a situation where a tenant sublets their rental to another person for a certain amount of time.

Q:

What if I have a difficult landlord?

When should I reach out to my landlord?

Q: Q:

How do I maintain a good relationship with my landlord?

Starting sophomore year, some students have the opportunity to live off-campus, requiring them to find, lease and rent a living space all on their own. While students now have the freedom to control where they live, too many options combined with an overwhelming amount of external factors can become stressful.

One of the biggest struggles many first-time renters experience is how to navigate the relationship with their landlord. In other words, this is the person or company who owns a property and rents it out for a specific amount of time for an agreed upon amount, written in the lease.

While they might seem intimidating, your landlord is there to assist you with your living needs as described in your lease. Make sure to read this document carefully because in order to maintain accountability as a renter, you need to know your rights for yourself. Even though you can’t change who your landlord is, you can change the ways in which you communicate and build relationships with them.

Do you have a leak in your sink? Is mold spotted growing on your wall? Are your neighbors being too loud? You may encounter multiple instances in your living situation where you’re not quite sure what to do. That’s all right, refer to your lease agreement to see what terms you should operate on and then go from there.

Most of the time, your landlord has to give advance notice before showing up at your property. This counts for maintenance visits or any other reason that your landlord may need to show up. If they are scheduling a plumber to visit your rental at any point, they will need to make you aware of what time and day that plumber should be expected. Violation of these conditions may also violate your lease agreement.

In the case that you have reached out to your landlord multiple times with no response, you should keep track of when you originally reached out as well as the date of your follow-up message. Instead of using text messages as a main form of communication, try using email to get a hold of your landlord.

In your lease, certain maintenance requests should be listed as either the responsibility of the tenant or the responsibility of the landlord. For example, if your washing machine stops working you need to know if you, as a tenant, will be scheduling and paying for a maintenance visit, or if the landlord will be covering these costs. Other times, a landlord will cover the repair of one item, but not another. These intricacies should be noted prior to the signing of the lease.

Once reviewing all sections of the lease, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the terms in which you are agreeing to. When unforeseen circumstances strike, you want to feel prepared and empowered to ask for and receive the assistance you need. Punctual and clear communication combined with respect and accountability lead to a mutually considerate relationship between tenants and landlords.

In times of crisis, remember that you also have the support of your roommate(s). It may also be their first time experiencing a living situation like the one you are in and you are all figuring it out together. All being on the same page with housing is important when issues you do come up.

College comes with a lot of “firsts,” This could be your first time living on your own, your first time interacting with housing management or a landlord and even your first time sharing a bedroom or living space. Whatever it may be, it's okay to acknowledge that these circumstances can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. When things get rough, you can always count on communicating, knowing your rights and asking for help to assure that your living situation works best for you!

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When you’re new to SLO and ask for where to eat, there’s a general list of restaurants that people respond with. While these restaurants are tried and tested, San Luis Obispo offers a wide assortment of incredible dining options beyond the basic few. Below is a list of suggestions in replacement of the typical spots you might hear about.

Instead of Finney’s try… Black Sheep

Portraying the same neighborhood craft house vibe as Finney’s, Black Sheep offers fantastic food and a great place for conversation. Located at 1117 Chorro St., old time photos and western work gear adorn the red bricked walls giving way to a modern day saloon with indoor and patio seating. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., it is the perfect spot to grab a bite or a beer. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There are several beers on tap from Guinness to Firestone 805. They also serve specialty craft cocktails like the Black Sheep Cadillac made with Don Julio Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and Grand Marnier. For food, Black Sheep offers eight different mac and cheese options including a build your own special. They also offer other dining options such as: tacos, salads and burgers. Online food ordering and more information can be found at their website! blacksheepslo.com

Restaurants off

Giuseppe’s is another common downtown eatery for Cal Poly students and the SLO community; however, if you find their line is too long and want some delicious Italian food turn to no other than Mama’s Meatballs. Mama’s Meatballs is tucked away in a charming courtyard off of 570 Higuera St. and is open from 11 a.m to 9 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday. Making it the perfect place for a birthday celebration or dinner. Mama’s provides a cozy environment, transporting you back to Italy. They have all the classic dishes like: spaghetti carbonara, caprese, calamari and fettuccine alfredo. Don’t forget to try their gnocchi alla sorrentina that’s served in a pizza crust nest for $24. Mama’s Meatballs also offers a variety of pastas, salads, entrees, appetizers and pizza. They also offer many gluten free options for pasta and bread. They make all desserts and breads in house, so be sure to grab a slice of tiramisu or some garlic knots before you leave! You can find more about their backstory, menus and catering options at their website mamasmeatball.com or Instagram (@mamasmeatball).

Instead of Giuseppe's try… Mama’s Meatballs

Instead of Taqueria San Miguel try… Leslie's Taqueria Truck

San Luis Obispo has many prized Mexican restaurants and if you ask your friends for a recommendation, they will all provide a different favorite. When in search for the perfect burrito you will likely be pointed towards Taqueria San Miguel, Taqueria Santa Cruz Express or San Luis Taqueria; however, you should turn your sights towards Leslie’s Taqueria Truck. They opened June 7, 2024 and park in the Campus Bottle parking lot everyday besides Sunday. The owner, Julio Pineda, started the truck in honor of his daughter Leslie who passed away; he loves the SLO community and being able to share his delicious food. “All the Cal Poly and Cuesta guys are so nice and I like this spot; it’s comfortable,” Pineda said. If you are looking for a quesadilla for $10.50 or some street tacos at $3 each, Leslie’s is the right place. There are deals on Taco Tuesday and discounted burritos on Thursday. They offer burritos, birria tacos, taquitos, tortas and more. Pineda also has plans to open a restaurant within the upcoming year! The truck is open at various times and you can check their Instagram and Facebook (@lesliestaqueria) for more details.

Instead of High Street try… Lincoln Deli

the Beaten Path

By Samantha Orradre & Allison Weil

Instead of Woodstocks try… Gino's pizza

Gino’s Pizza is a family-owned business providing local ingredients to make their specialty pizza and calzones from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 1761 Monterey St. Gino’s first opened in San Luis Obispo, and now has a second location in Pismo Beach. They are most known for their unique pizza crusts, quality ingredients and friendly service. A distinctive Italian and New York-style restaurant, Gino’s offers a range of foods including: pastas, salads, exclusive pizzas and calzones. They also serve award winning locally made beverages like SLO Cider and 805 Beer. Their website, ginospizzaslo.com, offers their lunch and dinner menu, party trays, online ordering and more.

Linnaea’s Cafe, founded in 1984 by Linnaea Phillips in San Luis Obispo, was envisioned as a classic coffee house and gathering spot. At 1110 Garden St, it provides a space for community and conversation for college students, families and working individuals. In 2008, longtime manager Marianne Orme took ownership, expanding the cafe’s bakery. Open Monday and Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., the cafe remains a cozy venue for live performances, art, poetry and jazz. In the back of the cafe there’s a patio that was built with the help of community contributions. It remains a peaceful spot featuring tropical plants, a koi pond and local birds. The cafe not only has many coffee and pastry options, but also serves as a space to relax, study and connect with friends. Read more on their website, linnaeascafe.com.

Instead of Scouts try… Linnea's Cafe

Things to Consider Before Living With Roommates

By Julia Nunez

The housing search is just around the corner and as you’re trying to figure out a location and what kind of house you’re looking for, don’t forget that deciding who you will live with is just as important. There are so many factors when deciding who to live with. Whether it’s your closest friends or a random person you found on Facebook it’s important to make sure that your values align. Here are a few ways of living to consider and how to set yourself up for roommate success from the moment you move in.

Reflect

Everyone wants a roommate that matches their preferences, but the only way to understand what your needs are as a roommate is to understand yourself and your needs.“You need to first reflect on the type of roommate you’re gonna be,” Marcus Orden, business junior said. “Are you clean? What’s your sleep schedule? Are you going to have friends over?” This set of answers can help decide what you as a roommate will need and then expect of your fellow roommates.

Random Roommates

The pressure to find housing and who to live with is intense. Whether you’re a freshman moving into the dorms or a junior moving offcampus, the easiest option is to pick random roommates. Although there are instances where people become good friends with their random roommates or can at least coexist, there are also many experiences where it doesn’t work out. It’s worth it to find people you can meet beforehand or already know, so you can avoid taking that chance.

Sleep schedules

The nightlife in college ranges from staying in doing homework to staying up late partying, which cannot coexist peacefully. That’s why taking note of what times your roommates go to sleep and how often they have late nights with friends is a good idea. When your roommate has a much earlier bedtime than you, it can be awkward having to constantly tip-toe around them. Overall, no one wants to be interrupted in their sleep or have to restrain themselves from going out because of opposite night routines. This is why it’s ideal to have roommates that align with your sleep schedule.

Living on your own and having to clean up after yourself and others takes some adjusting. There are no parents or staff around to wash the dishes or vacuum the common area. Make sure you are considering cleanliness right off the bat asking yourself,“Will the people I’m living with let their mess sit there all week or clean up after themselves as soon as they get home? Are they the type of people to step up when they see something dirty or wait for someone else to clean it?”

The housing factors that commonly conflict with each other are location, price, size and aesthetics. Everyone wants to live near school, but it tends to be at a higher price that not everyone wants to pay. You can also get a bigger space the further away you get from campus, but maybe it’s not as upgraded as your roommates would like. These small differences in preference can make your house search so much harder, so make sure all roommates are on the same page about their housing priorities and be sure to discuss it beforehand.

“Living with people who don’t share the same cleanliness standards can be hard,” Samantha Bertotti child development junior said. These questions are important when deciding someone’s level of cleanliness and willingness. One of the best things you and your roommates can do is make sure to clean up after your mess. However, this can get tricky when there are dishes in the sink from someone who hasn’t been home all day or if the living room needs to be vacuumed. Getting into a routine of who cleans the common spaces is a good place to start, which can mean switching off every week or assigning roles. Communication is also key, make sure you’re comfortable holding your roommates accountable for their tasks and mess.

Figure out furniture

So you’ve already found your roommates and you’re ready to sign the lease! What comes next is the most fun part of the process, decorating. However, furniture can range in price and it can be tricky to figure out who buys what. You also want to make sure your roommates are on the same page about how much they want to spend on furniture. This is why it’s crucial to figure out budgets that work for all of your roommates. Splitting the cost of bigger pieces of furniture is also a good idea because they tend to be pricier.

Setting boundaries

Once you’re finally moved in, there will be conflicts no matter how much you thought through your roommate process, which is why it’s important to get comfortable with setting boundaries. This is especially true in instances where you and your roommates are close friends who share things such as clothes or food constantly. When living apart, the only way for friends to borrow anything is by asking you. Once you share a space, it's easier for roommates to take what they need when they need it, losing the habit of asking you for permission. I know it’s awkward to tell your roommates that they can’t just take your things, but you have to set that boundary before it’s too late. You don’t want to be told “But you let me do it all the time,” so bring up those issues early.

I know there’s a lot to consider about roommates and housing, but it is a learning process that you will work out together as long as you communicate your issues. Living on your own is intimidating at first, but don’t let that take away from this exciting new stage in your college experience that you’re about to begin!